Gremlins 3 Not In Development

Published by Jeff Leins on: February 7th, 2010

io9 asked original screenwriter Chris Columbus about the rumors, who said he posed the same question to executive producer Steven Spielberg.  Surprise, surprise.  Neither had heard anything about it.

It’s a shame those two talents had to be bothered with this made up story. Ahh, vindication.

Original article: A rumor started over the weekend that a third Gremlins was in the works and the studio is planning to use stereoscopic 3D technology on the little green menaces.

The vague information comes from the inside sources for MarketSaw, who claims to know people in the know.  Of course it’s “in the early stages” and there are “still lots of hurdles to pass,” so when this turns up false the claim can be made that it fell apart somehow.

I’m not ready to say their story is completely made up to generate traffic from sensational headlines, but I’m willing to bet it’s at least incorrect. Setting aside MarketSaw’s dubious track record for a moment, the details of the questionable article don’t make much sense.  A decision on 3-D (the expensive stereoscopic, no less) before a screenwriter or director?  Besides, Warner Bros is likely thinking remake over a true Gremlins 3 since it has been 20 years since the second installment, and Joe Dante’s involvement with something like that is suspect at best.

In April 2009, the Blu-ray releases of the first two films prompted a discussion with director Joe Dante about adding a sequel or a remake.  His exact words were, “I find it hard to believe that they won’t make a Gremlins 3 because they’re remaking Adventures in Babysitting. I mean, they’re gonna remake everything.  They won’t be coming to me. (Laughs) I can tell you that for a fact.”

Consider this a flimsy rumor for now until further details develop or someone lands a Dante denial.  This isn’t the usual “I really hope this doesn’t happen” reaction.  I just don’t believe the story or the source.  Remember, don’t feed the rumor mill after midnight!